Researching the sacred: reflections on the challenges and ethics of data collection.

Pirani, Farida and Papadopoulos, Irena (2007) Researching the sacred: reflections on the challenges and ethics of data collection. Journal of Health, Social and Environmental Issues, 8 (1). pp. 19-26. ISSN 1478-5692

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Abstract

The paper describes the process of data collection and
the challenges encountered during a study carried out at
a religiously sacred site, that is, a Muslim shrine in
Pakistan. Conducting research in a Pakistani cultural
setting, using a research process and ethical framework
derived from a Western world perspective presented a
series of challenges. These included issues arising from
working in an environment closely related to a particular
religious value and belief system and a lack of basic
infrastructure and privacy when conversing with people
who were vulnerable and unacquainted with the concept
of this type of research. Cultural awareness, empathy, a
non judgemental approach, and reflective research can
assist in maintaining ethical practice among researchers.

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